A Seaside Town Called Portofino | Travel

My life has been blessed with frequent travel. It was instilled at a young age and it has played a large role in shaping who I am. I become another person when I am outside my everyday life. I can't absorb the sounds and sights fast enough... the smells and tastes... my god! I am elevated to a new level of excitement and anticipation, yet feel a sense of calm I'm not familiar with in my regular world. I let go of time. I give way to possibility. I embrace the unknown. In these moments, I am truly alive.

I love to return to places special to me, see familiar faces and street corners. I think it's sometimes easier... and safer... to go to those places that you know you love. Why waste a precious holiday going to a place you might not even like? But sometimes, when you open your world to possibility, incredible things happen. I took a chance on a town called Portofino. Okay, admittedly it wasn't a big chance because I saw photos that took my breath away... but it was nothing compared to walking her streets for the first time, turning a corner and coming across a tiny bay filled with fishing boats, the docks lined with restaurants and shops, the buildings painted soft sunset colors. The air was moist and tropical, the ocean bright blue and clear to the bottom. Olive trees, hazelnuts, bamboo and cactus... It was exhilarating to explore and I felt so blessed, knowing that this moment was perfect, and I would never again be able to experience it for the first time. So my advice? Take a step out of your comfort zone and take a chance on the unknown.

A Walk in the Garden

I've got this thing for gardens... and paths. My heart always skips a beat when I see a meandering path, and I have no choice but to follow it. I am so excited to see what lies around the corner, a fountain or fish pond, a fig tree or a valley of ferns. There is beauty in the wild, there is beauty in the manicured... but more than that, there is beauty in the unknown.

Shaun & Meghan | Hornby Island Wedding

Okay, I admit, it's a bit of a trek to get there, but once you breathe in the fresh air of Hornby Island, there is nothing quite like it. Even when it rains. Apple trees and blackberries grow everywhere, rain forests and rocky beaches, arbutus trees and grassy bluffs. It quickly becomes obvious why Shaun and Meghan chose this place for their wedding.

Shaun and Meghan married under an arbor of driftwood and ribbons. In the short ceremony, there were stories and poems, promises and vows, laughter and tears, and of course... so much love. The love amongst the friends and family made the whole day so incredible. The rain couldn't dampen the joy and laughter, the humorous and touching speeches or the dancing that went well into the night. It was truly a beautiful day...

Thank you Shaun and Meghan... it was such an honor to share in your day!

Dustin & Cynthia | Engagement

Dustin and Cynthia met the summer out of high school, and after 9 years of being together, they are getting married! Such a great couple, I look forward to their wedding in June!

I love the palate from this shoot, the soft greys and neutral tones. We met at Lighthouse Park just as the sun went behind a cloud bank, creating a soft glow, which was so beautiful on the lovely couple and their surroundings!

That's how strong my love is...

If I was the sun way up there
I'd go with love most everywhere
I'll be the moon when the sun goes down
Just to let you know that I'm still around

I'll be the weeping willow drowning in my tears
You can go swimming when you're here
I'll be the rainbow when the sun is gone
Wrap you in my colors and keep you warm

That's how strong my love is, darling,
That's how strong my love is, baby,
That's how strong my love is, oooh,
That's how strong my love is.

I'll be the ocean so deep and wide
I'll get out the tears whenever you cry,
I'll be the breeze after the storm is gone
To dry your eyes and love you warm

That's how strong my love is, so deep in,
Well, that's how strong my love is
So much love, yes so much love, oohh,
Yes so much love, yes so much love,
Anything that I can do, I'll be good for you,
Any kind of love you want, I'll be with you....

Otis Redding ~ That's How Strong My Love Is